meandino

Just bought a 96 Acura 3.2 TL Base model for $300. Exterior and interior are in excellent shape. Has about 285k miles.

Battery is good. When going to start the car all you hear is a click from the starter and nothing happens.

Had the car towed to my place, and going to figure it out from there. Has anyone had this problem before? What is it?

Thanks for the help

99blackcivicSi

measure voltage drop on the starter i bet you the bendix isn't kicking down and it needs a starter its a fairly common issue.

slipknot_07

I would say starter also start with simple things first

CamboSoup562

edogmb

nice diagram cambo...
...I have had a similar problem...and the starter/bendix issue is a likely culprit...but mine turned out to be a grounding issue. I would def check all grounds and connections first and foremost if you haven't already.

meandino

Even when the starter only clicks once? Sounds like I got a good deal I was thinking the engine was seized and had to replace the how thing. Just didn't ever get a chance to diagnose it before I had to go out of town. Thanks guys. I'm sending a friend over this week to take a look at it and let me know.

1GPlusSH

bendix or battery hopefully.

meandino

Btw I loved the diagram. How easy is it to pull these starters?

99blackcivicSi

drivers side axle has to come out to get the starter out.

meandino

How about the hubs on this car? Do they need to be pressed out like the 94-97 accords to change the rotors?

meandino

Just got back into town and was able to look at it further. Looked like the battery terminals weren't tightened all the way so after doing that all I get is two clicks from the starter and then if I keep the key in the start position two more clicks after a few seconds.

They also have a ground going straight to the starter or by it from the battery as well the chassis.

edogmb

have u tried to jump-start it?

meandino

No. But the battery does read over 12 volts.

edogmb

sounding more and more like the starter...but I still wdnt rule out current issues...if the bendix is sticking giving it a few nice whacks could free it up.

meandino

Yeah I'm just trying to figure out how I'm going to do that without lifting up the car.

99blackcivicSi

please just do a voltage drop test on the starter that willt ell you if it is a starter or if it isn't all these other comments are not needed thats step one with these things not starting its common so common Acura put out a TSB for it many years ago.

meandino

Remind me again how to do the voltage drop test. I have to connect to the actual starter. Right?

I'll have to wait till it stops snowing to do this. We just got another 4 inches. I wish spring would just come already.

1GPlusSH

how do you give a thumbs up?

meandino

Okay so the results for the voltage dropping is from 1 volts - 7 volts. When I try to start the car the starter clicks every 2-3 seconds. Everytime it clicks it will drop at least 1 volts other times 5 volts and up to 7 volts. It just varies.

meandino

How hard is it to turn these engines from the crank shaft pulley bolt?

meandino

Toke the starter and battery down to autozone and they both passed with flying colors. Went home and toke the plugs out and tried to turn the engine by hand to only bend my breaker bar.

Engine is seized. Now to start removing it for the new one.